🔗 Share this article

1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United

Can results be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly